Source: Daily_Mail
Friday Five: Welsh wizards who have lit up the game
Wales will fear simply being the butt of jokes for England fans once Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier is over. [LNB]But if they can shock their neighbours at the Millennium Stadium, there could be a new hero wearing the Welsh dragon on their shirt. [LNB]This week we look back at the Welsh wonders who were embraced quicker than you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyll... [LNB]John Charles Probably the most versatile British player ever, Swansea-born Charles started out at his hometown club before signing for Leeds at 17.[LNB] He led the club into the top flight as a centre-forward while playing as a centre-half for Wales. [LNB]He made his name as 'Il Gigante Buono' (the Gentle Giant) at Juventus, but still scored 15 goals in 38 appearances for his country, proving a hit at the 1958 World Cup and becoming vice president of the Welsh FA in 2002. [LNB] Deadly: John Charles fires home for Wales against England at Wembley in 1954[LNB]Ryan Giggs Giggs captained England Schoolboys but became Wales' youngest senior debutant at just 17.[LNB] The Manchester United legend is the most decorated player in English football, with 11 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, four League Cups and two Champions League triumphs. [LNB]Now 37, the winger from Cardiff scored 12 goals in 64 appearances for Wales before bowing out in 2007 after four years as captain, to focus on racking up more titles at United. [LNB] King of the dribble: Ryan Giggs waltzes through the Czech Republic defence in 2008[LNB]Mark Hughes Hughes stunned England by scoring the winner against them 17 minutes into his Wales debut at 20 in 1984. [LNB]He too joined United as a schoolboy, and the Wrexham lad impressed with his physical game. [LNB]'Sparky' then signed for Barcelona for ?2million in 1986 but after a loan spell at Bayern Munich, returned to Old Trafford. [LNB]He began coaching Wales in 1999 - having played for them 72 times - and brought the under-performing side close to qualifying for Euro 2004, losing to Russia in the play-offs. [LNB]He now manages Fulham after a shock sacking from Manchester City in 2009.[LNB] Kicking off: Mark Hughes attempts one of his famous volleys against Turkey in 1996[LNB]Ian Rush Rush was born in St Asaph and signed for Chester City and then Liverpool, where he formed a wicked partnership with Kenny Dalglish. [LNB]He made his Wales debut while still at Chester and netted 28 goals in 73 appearances for his country, although, like so many other Welshman, was never part of a national side that qualified for a major tournament. [LNB]He did, however, score the winner in Wales' Euro 1992 qualifier against Germany, and became Liverpool's highest goalscorer after a spell at Juventus.[LNB] Hotshot: Ian Rush takes on Scotland's Richard Gough[LNB]Billy Meredith The original Welsh Wizard was born in Chirk in 1874 and helped his hometown club to two Welsh FA Cups before playing for Manchester rivals City and United. [LNB]He was always a controversial figure and was suspended from City after a bribing scandal. [LNB]The outside forward scored 11 goals in 48 games for Wales, becoming famous for chewing on tobacco - and later a toothpick - during matches. [LNB]He played for his country well into his forties, finishing with a historic win over England, aged 45.[LNB] Early hero: Billy Meredith (circled) lines up ahead of one of his 48 caps for Wales[LNB] Friday Five: The expensive signings who won the battles of the rich kids...Friday Five: Fiery clashes between Manchester United and Arsenal[LNB] Explore more:People: Ian Rush, Ryan Giggs, Mark Hughes, Kenny Dalglish Places: Leeds, Cardiff, Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester, Germany, United Kingdom, Wales, Russia
